The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a relatively late arrival to the crowded subcompact luxury SUV scene. It has an attractive exterior design, handsome alloy wheels, and city-friendly proportions. Even better, the Tonale can travel up to 32 miles on electric power thanks to its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Taking the fight to this upstart Italian SUV is the 2025 BMW X1. Having first arrived for the 2013 model year, the X1 is now in its third generation and remains one of the benchmarks among small luxury SUVs. The X1 has an enviable reputation for cabin comfort, cargo space, and agility.
Let’s see how these luxury SUVs compare.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
2024 model shown
The Tonale arrives in a single trim level for 2025 (replacing last year’s three trim levels), with a limited-production Tributo Italiano special edition also available. The new core Tonale trim starts at $47,990; the Tributo Italiano starts at $53,990. Both variants are motivated by a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and 6-speed automatic transmission. A total of 285 horsepower is sent to all four wheels courtesy of standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
Alfa Romeo Tonale Highlights
Electric driving range: One of the stand-out features of the 2025 Tonale is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. While its horsepower output is impressive, the 347 lb-ft of torque gives this Alfa Romeo a performance punch. And because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you get an estimated 32 miles of electric-only driving range. Short errands or commutes can be accomplished without using a single drop of gas.
Head-turning exterior: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, though a strong case can be made for saying Alfa Romeo’s trademark design cues work wonderfully on the Tonale SUV. These include the brand’s shield-shaped front grille, narrow LED headlights, and attractive alloy wheels ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.
User-friendly infotainment system: Standard on every Tonale is a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on Uconnect 5 software. Configurable menus and crisp graphics make it highly intuitive, allowing you to master it after only a few moments of familiarization. Tech fans with an aversion to wires take note: It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and wireless device charging.
2025 BMW X1
2024 model shown
Still fresh from a redesign for the 2023 model year, the BMW X1 has a sharply creased exterior, standard all-wheel drive, and a choice of two engines. A 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motivates the entry-level xDrive28i, and a 341-hp turbo 4-cylinder moves the M35i. Each comes with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 2025 X1 starts at approximately $40,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. The performance-oriented M35i has an asking price of $49,900.
BMW X1 Highlights
Cargo space: The X1 is an overachiever when it comes to the sheer amount of stuff you can load into it. Behind the convenient 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatback is 25.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. That’s about three cubic feet more than the Tonale. A low load floor and a wide liftgate make it easy to get bulky items in or out of the X1’s cargo area.
Cabin quality and design: There is a whole lot more to like about the X1’s interior than its trunk. The dashboard features a digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen that uses BMW’s latest iDrive 9 software. Like the Tonale’s, this system is easy to navigate and comes standard with wireless smartphone connectivity.
Fun to drive: BMW’s engineering gurus didn’t need to make the X1 a pleasure to pilot, but we’re glad they did. Agile steering complements a ride that’s firm but never punishing when traversing bumpy roads. The brakes inspire confidence, and the entire driving experience feels expertly honed. That’s not even taking into consideration the strong acceleration provided by each of the two available turbo 4-cylinders. The M35i is extremely quick, with BMW reporting that it needs just 5.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
Similarities
The Alfa Romeo Tonale and BMW X1 have handsome exteriors, attractive cabins, and the right size for zipping through busy traffic. Each delivers a commendable amount of cargo volume and has adult-friendly levels of space in the first and second rows. These subcompact luxury SUVs are also entertaining in how they get down the road swiftly and comfortably.
Conclusion
The BMW X1 has a proven track record when it comes to everything from safety and reliability to interior stretch-out space and having the latest in-vehicle technology. The 2025 X1 builds on this foundation with the sporty new M35i, which has an extra dose of speed that leaves many other small SUVs in its proverbial wake.
On the other hand, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is more of a newcomer to the scene, though its plug-in hybrid engine and dashing design make it an instant contender in this highly competitive market. Its electric driving range is a major advantage, and recharging the battery pack takes only 2.5 hours when using a 240-volt outlet. A visit to a local dealership and a test drive of each is a smart idea and, because they’re both exciting to drive, a fun one too.
New 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (74447)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,490 |
$36,403 |
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$46,490 |
TBD |
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$53,990 |
$51,506 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles and New 2025 BMW X1 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale | 2025 BMW X1 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder PHEV | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 241 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 347 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic/eAWD | 7-speed dual-clutch/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 29 combined mpg/77 MPGe/33 miles EV range | 25 city/34 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | Tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles; 8 years/100,000 miles (battery) | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | 4-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 inches | 106.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 178.2 inches | 177.4 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 63.0 inches | 64.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.8 inches | 42.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 22.9 cubic feet | 25.7 cubic feet |
